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Today's Daily Tip

Feel Your Fish

Most of us who do yoga yearn for more from the practice than just physical benefits—indeed, for more than just benefit ... (continued)

From Hand to Heart

Discover the power of mudras (hand gestures) for cultivating inner peace, courage, and confidence.

By Kelly McGonigal

Lotus Mudra

In Buddhism the lotus blossom represents a heart opening. The lotus flower blooms on the surface of water, with its roots deep below in mud—making it a symbol of light and beauty emerging from darkness. Practice Lotus Mudra in Vrksasana (Tree Pose), hands held at heart center. Feel connected to your roots, and remember that the greatest source of steadiness in life is an awakened heart. Or sit in Padmasana (Lotus Pose, shown here) and use this mudra as you practice metta (lovingkindness) meditation to assist in your own heart's awakening.

Bring the heels of the palms together, thumb tips and pinky fingertips touching. Keep your knuckles separate and let your fingers blossom like the petals of a flower.

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Reader Comments

Jeanine	Darlene - I would suggest some beginning yoga DVDs - these would allow you to follow along and learn some basic, gentle yoga poses. I personally think Suzanne Deason has some great gentle videos - try "Yoga for Weight Loss" or "AM/PM Yoga" by her; those are basic and gentle, she provides good cues for the poses and her voice is soothing. I have seen them on Amazon and at Target...Hope this helps. Best wishes...Namaste. - Jeanine
muniraja	thanks for this =)
Darlene	I am a newcomer and I have a couple of questions. First, I am finding it difficult to relax as I do some of the poses, because as I am trying to manuever to pose, I either straining or I really just get out of focus. Is there certain poses for the beginner to get adjusted to the bends & poses? The other question is how do you know what music to play in the background? I know these are probably silly questions, but I really would like to get more flexible, I am diagnosed w/ fibromyalgia and when I stretch, I feel really great. Thanks, Darlene